Data acquisition, advertising, and compensation

Abstract

Users of computing devices can be compensated for sharing data and accepting advertisements on their computing devices. Compensation can also depend on supply of particular data and performing specific actions, such as personal information and various designations and authorizations. In one instance, compensation can depend on supplying personal information and providing designation and authorization with respect to a purchase agent and purchase of products or services.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 employing at least one processor configured to execute computer-executable instructions stored in memory to perform the following acts:   coordinating distribution of one or more advertisements to a computing device based on data provided by a user of the computing device; and   compensating a user of the computing device for accepting the one or more advertisements based on data provided by the user.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprises requesting the user perform an action. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  further comprises adjusting compensation based on a response from the user to the request. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  further comprises requesting the user perform the action of designating an entity as an intermediary for the user and adjusting compensation based on a response to the designation request. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  further comprises requesting authorization to change product or service provider and adjusting compensation based on a response to the authorization request. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2  further comprises requesting the user perform the action of purchasing a product or service from a business referred by a specific intermediary. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprises adjusting compensation based on usage of a specific intermediary by the user. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprises compensating the user of the computing device based on advertisement type. 
     
     
         9 . A system, comprising:
 a processor coupled to a memory, the processor configured to execute the following computer-executable component stored in the memory:   a first component configured to manage distribution of one or more advertisements to a computing device and compensation to a user of the computing device based on data regarding the user of the computing device.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , the data comprises designation of an individual as an intermediary for the user. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , the intermediary is an insurance agent. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , the data comprises authorization to switch from a first product or service provider to a second product or service provider. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9  further comprises a second component configured to compute predicted profitability associated with the user. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  further comprises a third component configured to assign the user to a group based on the predicted profitability. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 9  further comprises a second component configured to compensate the user. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , the second component is further configured to adjust compensation based on use of a particular intermediary by the user. 
     
     
         17 . A computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that enable at least one processor to perform a method upon execution of the instructions, the method comprising:
 acquiring data about a user of a computing device;   coordinating distribution of one or more advertisements to the computing device; and   compensating the user based on the data and one or more advertisements.   
     
     
         18 . The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 17 , the method further comprises requesting designation or usage of an entity as an insurance agent for the user and adjusting compensation based on a response. 
     
     
         19 . The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 17 , the method further comprises requesting authorization to change an insurance provider for the user and adjusting compensation based on a response. 
     
     
         20 . The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 17 , the method further comprises requesting the user purchase a product or service from an entity and adjusting compensation based on a response.